Optimism
Last week Brenda and Judy asked if Les isn't using me, could they? They do light contract work and have "enough work to keep us busy until Christmas," a lot of it for other members of the Rainbow Chorus. Considering my recent panic over the slow-down in organ work, this came as a tremendous relief. Then I realized I would be earning an additional few bucks an hour. This opens all kinds of possibilities. I could possibly afford to work four days a week, freeing one for creative endeavours. But for now there are bills to pay. Besides, Brenda and Judy are two of the most enjoyable characters I know. This afternoon we started renovating a store for a friend to move in June 1.
Yesterday I heard that two doctors at a big, new medical clinic in town have started accepting new patients. This morning I drove over and submitted an application. There's no guarantee, but at least there's hope. There has been a shortage of doctors in Guelph, and this is the first opening I've found in several years of searching.
Monday I had off, so went shopping at the greenhouse and hardware, then came home and planted a small garden outside my front door. I had one a few years back, but the barbarians upstairs trampled, dropped cigarette butts and let their dogs shit there. Now that they are gone, I have hope of starting anew. Emphasizing white and purple, I planted a few typical rock garden species: creeping phlox, a Sempervivum, two Pulsatillas, two white Echinaceas and several species of thyme. As opportunities present themselves I will introduce natives suited to dry soil and full sun, like Sysirinchium (blue-eyed grass).
Meetings with Sarah D. have been productive, and my creative work habits are changing by nudge and by grudge. It seems an unfortunate winter has been followed by a fortunate spring.
On Saturday the memorial gathering for Mom will occur at John R. Park Homestead, where Dad has been volunteering. I look forward to a reunion with various relatives, particularly some cousins I haven't seen in years. Danny is coming, and I can hardly wait to share with him the beauty of Poplar Bluff in May.
